Ebo Buckman is an anti-corruption advocate
Following his recent remarks on TV3 regarding how Singapore and Ethiopia have enacted special laws to combat corruption, anti-corruption advocate Ebo Buckman granted an exclusive interview to elaborate on his position.
He emphasised that Ghana must take decisive steps to treat corruption as a special offense by introducing stringent laws tailored to deal with the menace.
Buckman highlighted Singapore’s Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), which places the burden of proof on the accused in corruption cases.
This means that when an individual is suspected of corruption, they must prove their innocence rather than the prosecution having to prove guilt.
“This approach has helped Singapore keep corruption at extremely low levels, ensuring accountability in both the public and private sectors,” he explained.
Citing Ethiopia as another example, Buckman pointed out that the country has established special courts solely dedicated to corruption cases to ensure swift and efficient prosecution.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s legal framework includes asset recovery mechanisms to reclaim stolen public funds and properties.
He further emphasised the retroactive nature of Ethiopia’s anti-corruption laws, which allow authorities to investigate and prosecute corruption offenses committed up to 10 years before the law was enacted.
“This ensures that past corrupt acts are not ignored, and individuals who looted state resources a decade ago can still be held accountable,” he noted.
Turning to Ghana’s situation, Buckman expressed concern over how politicians amass wealth overnight without scrutiny.
He lamented: “We are living in a country where politicians suddenly become rich, yet no one dares to ask how they made their money. They buy expensive mansions and luxury cars as if they were purchasing toys for their children, while the majority of Ghanaians struggle to survive. This must change.”
He stressed that Ghana’s current legal framework is inadequate in tackling corruption due to high burdens of proof, legal loopholes, and prolonged trials.
He argued that the ongoing constitutional review presents a perfect opportunity to introduce far-reaching reforms.
“If we are serious about fighting corruption, we must enact special laws that reverse the burden of proof in corruption cases, establish dedicated anti-corruption courts, and introduce stronger asset recovery mechanisms. No corrupt act, past or present, should go unpunished,” he stated.
Buckman believes that a special legal framework for corruption will serve as a deterrent and restore public confidence in the justice system.
“Ghanaians are tired of seeing corrupt politicians and business elites go unpunished. We need a legal system that treats corruption as the serious crime that it is,” he emphasised.
He called for bold constitutional reforms, arguing that corruption should no longer be treated as an ordinary offense.
“If we are serious about national development, corruption must be fought with the full force of the law,” he concluded.